On April 6, 2024, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Bexar County Sheriff's deputies responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of South Loop 1604 East in San Antonio, Texas. Upon arrival, they found 18-year-old Ricky De Los Santos suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite his critical condition, De Los Santos provided deputies with a "dying declaration," identifying his assailant as Daniel Hernandez, his lifelong best friend.
De Los Santos was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigations revealed that Hernandez had visited De Los Santos's residence under the pretense of purchasing tennis shoes. An argument ensued, during which Hernandez allegedly produced a Draco AK-47-style firearm and shot De Los Santos multiple times. Hernandez fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Later that day, authorities arrested 18-year-old Daniel Hernandez, charging him with first-degree murder. Hernandez claimed self-defense, alleging that De Los Santos had brandished a weapon; however, deputies did not find any weapons on the victim. The murder weapon was not immediately recovered, prompting deputies to conduct searches in areas where Hernandez was believed to have discarded it.
Further investigation led to the arrest of 17-year-old Diego Salazar on April 12, 2024. Salazar is accused of facilitating Hernandez's transportation to De Los Santos's residence, thereby playing a role in the events leading to the fatal shooting. He was charged with murder and booked into the Bexar County Jail with a bond set at $150,000.
The tragic death of Ricky De Los Santos has deeply affected the San Antonio community, highlighting the devastating impact of violence among youth. As legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and reflects on the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking incident.
